BBar information

Escape from the bustle of Victoria for some welcome time out at BBar where you can enjoy a range of South African and other global dishes. BBar also has a comprehensive choice of cocktails and world wines.

"Discover Bbar, the chic and welcoming bar and restaurant in vibrant Victoria, where you’re warmly invited to enjoy our vast range of cocktails at the bar or tuck into delicious dishes in the restaurant.
An elegant yet relaxed atmosphere with stylish South African inspired furnishings, Bbar is the perfect place to catch up with friends, overlooking the Royal Mews and just a five minute walk from Victoria Station.
Whether you are planning a private party, a leisurely lunch or dinner, evening drinks or a pre-theatre bite to eat, Bbar is the place to eat, drink and be merry! We can cater to parties and celebrations big and small. Whether you want a set menu or something more unique, then don't hesitate to contact us, we'll be happy to help.
Bbar offers a unique and mouth watering take on Afternoon Tea - filled to the brim with delicious mini bunny chow with fillings including smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives, smoked chicken, avocado and pancetta and Boerewors, chakalaka and crispy onion. These will be complimented by freshly baked scones - both traditional and apricot and amarula; a variety of cakes and pastries and an extensive tea menu.
Bbar boasts a private room called 43 Below which is available for hire. 43 Below offers a self contained bar and is perfect for drinks receptions, private dining, hen parties, birthday celebrations or corporate entertaining."

I enjoyed my brief visit to this venue. Conveniently located close to Victoria station, this is cut above other places in the area, with friendly staff, clean, nice looking decor and a good selection of quality food and drinks. My only complaint? I asked for a house vodka and was given a premium. I subsequently spent more than I intended which was disappointing. Be careful to ensure you get what you ask for, and you'll have a good time here.

Not the best known spot, Bbar is one of those place which visitors become glad to get to know, offering an interesting option in the notoriously banal area that is Victoria.

The Venue
BBar is the type of place which people tend to miss. Located on the busy Buckingham Palace Road you are more likely to pass by on bus or bike than on foot, and in an area with virtually no residents, it's perhaps no surprise that Bbar is not more known. And yet, the bar and restaurant is a fine spot, with an (admittedly discreet) African theme to its decor, complete with demure paintings and wooden African crafts scattered here and there.

The Atmosphere
The fact that Bbar could be more known doesn't mean that it's not frequented. In fact a crowd of fashionably wealthy twenty-somethings seems to claim the bar area as their own, creating an upbeat atmosphere that would only get annoying if you were sat right amongst them. The service is impeccable, with the managers extremely pleasant and focused on pleasing the customers, and the kind and friendly waiting staff stealing a smile even when they forget your order.

The Food
There's an African influence on some of the menu, allowing some dishes to bring some really interesting ingredients to the table, such as springbok, or boerewors sausages. The starters (£5.50-£7) begin well, with a good chicken liver pâté and tastier-than-usual hummous and baba ganoush on pita bread. The elaborate salads (£10-£13) carry on the sophistication, with the goat’s cheese and beetroot salad with spicy walnuts and balsamic dressing combining ingredients well.

It's the mains (£11-£28.50), though, that add a touch of exoticism with ingredients such as the springbok, which is cut into fillets and served rare with sweet potato puree, spinach, baby carrots and redcurrant sauce. Not particularly gamy, this is a great meat dish hitting all the right buttons - including, of course, the novelty one. The desserts are a return to the classics and the vanilla cheesecake is a divine conclusion to a robust and very manly meal.

The Drink
The cocktail list is composed mostly of classics (£7-£11.50) - think Mojitos, Long Island Iced Teas, Daiquiris, Cosmopolitans and all the other favourites. Some unusual concoctions like the 'Mandarin Japanese Cocktail 1860s' also crop up, and are very welcome additions. The wine list is predictably mostly South African and with good reason, as some bottles (from £23) are of excellent quality. The usual spirits, liqueurs, soft drinks and even mocktails (£4.75-£5.50) are also on offer.

The Last Word
BBar distinguishes itself thanks to an exotic menu, quality cocktails and wonderful staff. So if you're in Victoria and need somewhere more interesting than a chain, you know where to go.

Service initially good until Prince Harry arrived with his groupies! One member of our group of professionals was approached by a member of his group who accused her of taking photos of him which ruined his evening! We found this behaviour totally inappropriate, which led to a disagreement with the manager!

If you intend to dine at BBar and Restaurant, ask if any celebrities will be present as the service could be different compete to a ' celebrity free night'!

Bbar is the only place in SW1 to go for cocktails. Lots of sweet creations you just don't see anywhere else - apple crumble martinis, peach and lychee.... mmmm. The food at Bbar is excellent too - tasty finger food to nibble on.
Top marks all round.